When To Flee Conflict

“Now Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that he was gaining and baptizing more disciples than John—although in fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples.So he left Judea and went back once more to Galilee.” John 4:3

Jesus fled.

We all agree that Jesus is the pinnacle of perfection and so models all behavior perfectly. There were times when Jesus fled situations…basically, He ran away from the conflict.

When can we know when to flee?

When it’s never ending: The person (or group) has ‘always’ been that way or ‘always’ reacts the same. There will be a slim to no chance that the person will hear you this time if their tract record hasn’t been good. It’s relentless.

When it’s stubborn: The person (or group) hasn’t budged in the past and doesn’t seem to be making any progress off of their original opinion. They don’t listen at all and it probably won’t be fixed by you restating your stance.

When it’s personal: Is it a personal attack against your character? Then, let God defend you and be silent. Trust God.

When it’s unfair: The claims are completely untrue and unrelenting.

When it’s an attack against God: More than likely, if you’ve tried to defend God and the person (or group) isn’t listening, they aren’t hearing. People who don’t know the Lord cannot understand, so trying to explain to someone attacking God will usually get you no where.

Pray for God to give you wisdom for when to flee.

“The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.” Proverbs 16:17

Father God, help us to know when to face conflict and when to flee it. Fill our hearts with the wisdom of your perfect Son, Jesus. In His Name we pray, Amen.